How to make your own knight armour

Whether you are joining a re-enactment society or want a costume for a party, you may want some knight armour to wear. Even though there are a number of outlets that sell knight armour, they can be quite expensive. With an investment of time and a little effort, you can make your own knight armour for a custom fit, designing it at a reasonable price.

Other People Are Reading

Things you need

Measuring tape

Pattern or instructions

Materials such as leather hides, metal plates or metal rings

Appropriate tools

Show MoreHide

Instructions

1

Decide what type of knight armour you would like to make. There are many options, including plate mail, chain mail, scale mail and leather armour. When choosing, take into consideration the expense, weight and the availability of materials.

2

Find a set of instructions or a good pattern for the specific type of armour that you chose. (See links below.) Historical re-enactment societies and fantasy enthusiasts often have patterns as well as expertise to share.

3

Take your measurements, including the waist, chest (in several places), and arm length. If the silhouette appears somewhat irregular, take measurements at the places the shape changes.

4

Calculate the amount of the materials you will need and determine the tools you will need to put them together. You can make, for example, a chain mail shirt using several hundred metal washers and a couple of sturdy pliers. For the leather knight armour, you will need at least one hide, a tool to cut it with and a fastener for the pieces (e.g., rivets -- also, do not forget the punching tool).

5

Collect or buy the materials and tools. You may want to get extra materials to practice on.

6

Follow the instructions that came with the pattern. Usually, you will start leather armour by first tracing a pattern on a leather sheet and then cutting it out with special scissors or a sharp knife. After that you can fasten the pieces together. If you are making a chain mail, you will probably begin by hooking the links of the chain mail together, making the torso of the armour, then working on the shoulders and sleeves.

7

Put on some finishing touches. You may add a liner for your comfort, gauntlets and maybe some other accessories in order to complete your "knighty" look.